I love creating travel itineraries and for my week in London, I spent several weeks carefully crafting a detailed tour chart. I completed everything on my list and even had a little bit of spare time on the final day.
A serendipitous opportunity occurred when I realized that my walk back to my hotel, would take me past King’s Cross Station.
Harry Potter fans know that King’s Cross Station is home to Platform 9 3/4; the magical entry to the Hogwarts Express. A quick phone search showed me that King’s Cross Station does indeed have a Platform 9 3/4, which is prime photo spot.
Another bit of luck, King’s Cross Station was hosting a visitor to promote Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The whole area was packed and I couldn’t get a clear shot without other people getting in the way, however, I think the picture with the man is hilarious. He’s so nonchalant.
Platform 9 3/4 consists of a trolley photo opportunity and an expansive Harry Potter shop. The line for photos was massive, but I joined it. The wait was about an hour, but it was a delightful experience, because I was surrounded by book lovers, especially kids who were so excited to be there. I was swept up in a wave of enthusiasm.
The photo experience is technically free and you can use your own camera. However, there is also a professional photographer on hand to get the perfect shot. I ended up paying fifteen pounds for two photos.
Did you forget your wand? Your Hufflepuff scarf? No worries. The photographers at Platform 9 3/4, have the right gear to get you to Hogwarts. You can pick your house and be kitted out. I went with my dark side and decided to sort myself into Slytherin.
Next stop, The Hogwarts Express!
No, actually the gift shop to purchase my pictures and other Harry Potter merchandise. Outside of the Universal parks, this was definitely the most extensive Harry Potter shop that I have visited. You don’t need to wait in the trolley queue to enter the store, so don’t be deterred if you see a long queue, it is only for the pictures.
My visit to Platform 9 3/4 and getting a trolley picture, was a worthwhile final London activity. I headed back to my hotel and to a nearby Pizza Express for one last meal in the city. On this trip, I discovered Swedish cider, which next to my Swedish step-kids, is my favorite thing from Sweden! I enjoyed a cider and pizza, while waiting for Dan to return from his business meeting.
No amount of time in London is ever enough, but I was grateful for everything that I was able to experience in this week. Although we were saying goodbye to London, we still had a few more days in England, a final weekend to spend with family.